On Wed, 16 Nov 2005 15:30:32 +0000 (UTC), "Mara"
wrote:

Hi,
what reinforcing method should be used to bridge a 5.5 ft wide 4.5 ft high
opening through a ground floor, concrete block, load-bearing wall in a 2
storey building which has a concrete ceiling/floor between the two levels?
Our current builder has installed a reinforced concrete lintel turned on its
side with approximately 6 inches of lintel beyond the opening on either
side, but another builder has just told us that this is not sufficient
support and should be replaced as it is potentially dangerous. Who do we
believe?? and if this is wrong, what is best to use for the job??
Thanks in advance
Mara


The lintel should not be on its side.

The ends should be 150mm (or more) on the old wall, ahd have a
concrete pad stone - this otem means concrete bricks, of 7N blocks.

As to the strength, only a strutrial engineer can tell you for sure.

You have got the BCO involved in this have you ?

Rick